Properties of Soils in River Katsina-Ala Catchments Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Soil samples were collected from Northern part of River Katsina-Ala catchment's area used for fadama farming by random sampling using the soil map of Benue State as a guide. Surface sampling (0-20cm) and subsurface (21-200cm) sampling were taken for analysis. Nine profile pits were dug covering about 100ha. The soils were sandy loam to loamy sand on the surface to sandy clay in the sub-soil. The surface soil had granular structure, which changed to transited medium blocky and angular structure with depth while the horizons were generally massive. The CEC, organic carbon, Organic matter, total phosphorus (Bray I) and total nitrogen were generally low .Most of the nutrient elements decreased with increase in depth.

Nigerian Journal of Soil Science Vol. 17 2007: pp. 24-29